Mending Hearts (The American Soldier Collection 11)

Prologue

Alana sat in the seat alongside Gabe’s parents, Mike and Marcy. She was shaking with emotion but trying very hard to be strong. Strong like her own parents had taught her to be. Strong like the daughter of a Marine should be.

But this was worse than anything she’d ever experienced in her life. Twenty, and in love with Gabe Weathers, her first and only lover, and now he was gone. The man she’d given her virginity to. The one she told her secrets to, and the man she wanted to raise a family with.

It seemed like only yesterday he was knocking on her bedroom window late at night and confessing his need, his calling, to enlist into the Marine Corps. Alana supported him. She adored him and would move heaven and earth for the man. But now, looking at the empty seat where Gabe would always sit, was getting to be too much for her. The same yearly memorial and the feeling deep in her gut that made her believe Gabe was still alive. He wasn’t MIA or a POW somewhere in the Middle East. No. He was alive, and she couldn’t accept the fact that everyone else believed him to be dead. Including the government that had sent him in there.

She was losing herself more and more, year after year. She had to leave this town. She needed to leave this life and start anew. Otherwise, she might as well go MIA herself and maybe permanently.

She lowered her head and clasped her hands on her lap as she prayed to God while the preacher gave a blessing and spoke about the memories of the spirit and the happy times of the past. There were no more happy times to remember, just the empty seat, the lonely, sick sensation in her gut, and the reality that Gabe was never coming back. She’d lost him, just like she’d lost her father and her mother.

She was alone, and going solo seemed to work out best for her.

“Alana, would you like to say a few words before we close the ceremony?” Marcy, Gabe’s mom, asked her. The woman was sweet and kind and suffered so deeply losing her oldest son.

Alana glanced at Gabe’s cousin, Deanna. She was married to two men, Teddy and Jim, who were detectives in a town called Salvation. It was a good four hours from Scrantonville, but every year, Deanna would show up for the memorial ceremony. Three years. Three years and Alana was losing herself.

She nodded her head at Marcy

as Deanna bit her lower lip and her eyes filled with emotion. Alana didn’t like to speak about the past and Gabe anymore. Plus, it always seemed to upset Marcy. Gabe’s mom knew how in love Alana and Gabe were, so Alana made it quick.

She stood up and turned toward the large group of family and friends. Most were familiar faces, but a few were new ones, maybe soldiers who’d retired from the service and now resided in Scrantonville. Others came in support of Gabe, a fellow Marine.

She cleared her throat and looked to Deanna for a little moral support. Deanna held her gaze steady. Something wasn’t right. Teddy squeezed Deanna’s hand.

Alana cleared her throat. She had to get through this. One last time and then she was leaving Scrantonville.

“I can’t believe that it has been three years that we’ve all gathered here to remember Gabe. I see lots of familiar faces, and others as well. Gabe probably would reprimand us for doing this. He was always so humble.”

She felt her eyes well up with tears as she looked around the room, her eyes landing on one gentleman. Older, definitely military by his stance, his stature, and focus as she spoke. She didn’t know who he was, but she had seen him here before.

“I can remember the day when Gabe told me he wanted to enlist. He was excited, firm in his decision, and I supported him, knowing the risks but also knowing more so the pride, the calling he had. So instead of focusing on the loss of Gabe and so many others, I ask that you all continue to support our men and women in uniform everywhere. Those who have given the ultimate sacrifice and those who struggle with adapting back to civilian life. Gabe’s parents and I have set up the organization Love Thy Soldier. Over the last three years, we have helped many of those military men and women returning from service to adapt to their new ways of living, to find employment, to aid in financial support, and we continue to do so. So please spread the word about our program and help to save our soldiers and let them know that we appreciate all they do. Thank you.”

Alana walked back to her seat but not before catching the eye of that man in the back, the one with the military stance, the one who seemed to be watching her like a hawk.

The pastor ended the ceremony, and they all headed outside despite the chilly March temperatures.

“That was nice, Alana,” Deana said as she hugged Alana.

“Thanks. It’s so nice of you to come here. I know it’s a bit of a way to travel in one day.”

“Are you kidding me? We wouldn’t miss it,” Deanna said, and then Teddy and Jim gave her a hug hello. But Deanna looked away, and Alana felt as if she were hiding something from Alana. But what could it be? Maybe she just felt uncomfortable about coming out here every year. Alana knew that it was getting to her too, but Marcy and Mike seemed to look at it as a way of healing and never forgetting Gabe.

“So how is work going? Any hope for that promotion?” Jim asked Alana.